Michael Imperioli has recounted the harrowing moment he learned of the untimely death of his friend and co-star James Gandolfini in 2013. The actor, known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in the critically acclaimed series *The Sopranos*, spoke candidly about the incident during a recent appearance on the Netflix podcast *We’re Back! With Brian Williams*.
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The day Gandolfini passed away, June 19, 2013, he was in Rome. His death was attributed to a heart attack, shocking many, including Imperioli. At the time, he was in California when he received a phone call from fellow cast member Steve Schirripa, who portrayed Bobby Bacala on the show. Imperioli recounted the initial disbelief he felt, particularly since another mutual friend was battling cancer with the same name. “I was like, ‘Jimmy who?’” he remembered asking Schirripa before the harsh reality settled in.
The actor described the moment as incredibly surreal. “When he said ‘Gandolfini,’ I was like, ‘What?’ It was very unexpected and surreal and horrific,” he recalled. He was walking through Santa Barbara when he received the news and was so stunned that he found himself frozen in disbelief, unable to process what he had just heard. Seeking confirmation, he called his lawyer, who also represented Gandolfini and Schirripa. With a grave tone, his lawyer confirmed the tragic news.
Reflecting on their final encounter, Imperioli shared that he had seen Gandolfini only two weeks prior at a movie premiere, describing him as appearing “happy.” They had attended the May 20th premiere of a Nickelodeon TV film, *Nicky Deuce*, alongside Schirripa and other *Sopranos* alumni, including Vincent Curatola and Tony Sirico. Despite the passing years since *The Sopranos* ended in 2007, Gandolfini seemed to be stepping into an exciting new chapter in his life, having welcomed a daughter named Liliana just months earlier.
Imperioli highlighted that Gandolfini appeared optimistic and full of hope for the future, making his sudden passing all the more tragic. “It was six years since *The Sopranos* went off the air, and he was kind of starting to move into a new phase of his life,” he remarked. The loss continues to resonate deeply not only with his co-stars but also with the wider fan base that cherishes the legacy of the show.
*The Sopranos*, created by David Chase, aired for six seasons on HBO, featuring a cast that included notable actors such as Edie Falco, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Robert Iler, and Lorraine Bracco. It has long been regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time, still maintaining a robust following.
In another recent retrospective, Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on the show, conveyed his insights in the documentary *Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos*. He recounted conversations with Gandolfini, who frequently contemplated quitting the series due to the demanding nature of the role. “Every other day, we would go to a bar. We would have the exact same conversation,” Van Zandt said, recalling how Gandolfini would express his frustrations with the extensive hours of filming.
Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano earned him significant accolades, including three Emmy Awards for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. In a poignant continuation of his legacy, Gandolfini’s son Michael has now reprised his father’s role in the prequel film *The Many Saints of Newark*, further solidifying the family’s connection to the iconic series.
Despite the years that have passed since the original airing of *The Sopranos*, the series remains a cornerstone of television history. David Chase noted his profound gratitude for the show’s enduring impact, stating, “I can’t remember this happening with any other television show ever.”
As the 27th anniversary of *The Sopranos* pilot approaches, it is clear that the series, and the late Gandolfini’s unforgettable performance, continues to hold a cherished place in the heart of TV history and among audiences worldwide.